“Where are you going?” Noah gave her a worried frown.
“To change my clothes.” Marnie hated to mislead the child, but she really was going to change her clothes.
“One hour, Miss Marnie, and I will be by to pick you up. You best hurry,” Lars said, giving her a pointed look as she rushed across the street. He watched until she disappeared down the block.
“Would you like to meet my sister and her new baby?” Lars asked, glancing at the two children who’d suddenly grown quiet.
“A new baby?” Sadie asked.
“Yep. She’s just a few weeks old and the prettiest thing you’ll ever see.”
Forty-nine minutes later, Lars parked the surrey outside Miss Clementine’s and walked in the back entrance. He left the Webster children preoccupied with baby Laila at Tony and Ilsa’s while he picked up Marnie. As soon as she joined him in the surrey, they’d proceed to church together.
The kitchen was quiet, as was the rest of the place as he walked down the hall to Marnie’s room. Tapping on the door, he heard her stirring inside and waited. And waited. Tapping again, a little louder, he knew she’d open the door before he disturbed the girls who were still sleeping.
He wasn’t disappointed when the door swung open and she glared at him. Despite her protests she wasn’t going with him, she’d changed into a dress he hadn’t previously seen her wear. The cream-colored gown, dotted with sprigs of pink flowers and pale green vines, made her look young and wholesome. Her hair sat atop her head with loose tendrils curling around her face and neck and a pair of dainty gold eardrops hung from her ears.
He’d never seen her look so beautiful, especially as an angry flush colored her cheeks a soft pink hue.
“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I’m not going with you today.” Marnie fisted her hands on her hips and blocked his entrance to her room.
“Yes, you are. Put on your hat and let’s go.” Lars nudged her aside then brazenly strode to her closet and pulled out the hat he liked the best, a cream toque with cream and pink silk roses that matched the gown she wore. “Put that on.”
“No.” Marnie leaned against the dresser and glowered. “And you can’t bully me into doing what you want, Lars Thorsen.”
“Maybe not, but I can ask nicely.” Lars lifted one of her hands and kissed the back of it, keeping his hot blue gaze pinned to hers. He saw the shift in her eyes as the shutters lifted. The frown she wore softened on a sigh and he knew he had her.
Kissing the other hand, he moved on to her right cheek, then her left, followed by her nose. “Will you please accompany the children and me to church? Even if you won’t do it for me or yourself, do it for those two youngsters. They’ll be disappointed if you don’t come.”
Marnie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I don’t think you realize what you’re asking, what you’re doing.”
“I’m fully aware of what I’m doing.” Lars momentarily forgot about Easter, the Webster kids, and everything else as his attention focused on Marnie’s lips. He lowered his head and kissed both corners before gently caressing her mouth with his - teasing, enticing, pleading. “Please, sweet thing? Please go with us?”
Nearly undone by Lars’ tender kisses, Marnie snatched the hat from his hand and positioned it on her head. Jabbing in a hatpin, she rammed her fingers into lacy cream gloves and grabbed a reticule she saved for special occasions.
Pointing to the door, she shook her head. “Arguing with you is utterly pointless.”
“Yep. Glad you figured that out.” Lars’ wicked grin made her smile and she held his hand as they descended the stairs. “One way or another, I always get what I want.”
Chapter Fifteen
Convinced she held the title of world’s worst hypocrite, Marnie wondered if God would strike her down as she sat in the fifth pew of Pastor Whitting’s church, sandwiched between Sadie and Lars.
Trying to recall exactly how she found herself there, she had no one to blame but herself. Well, herself and that incredibly handsome, sweet-talking U.S. Marshal who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Expecting people to point, stare, and shun her the moment she set foot in the church, no one had paid her any mind. Packed to overflowing since it was Easter, everyone was too busy trying to find a seat and settle in to notice her.
Walking in with the Nash, Rawlings, and Campanelli families probably didn’t hurt, either, since they were admired and respected around town.
Sadie sat on the end of the pew while Noah sat on the other side of Lars, next to Kade. The twins squirmed between the deputy and their mother while Nora and J.B. filled the remaining two seats of the pew. Aundy, Garrett, Ilsa, Tony and baby Laila occupied the pew in front of them.
If a lightning bolt shot down through the rafters to convict her, she hoped it wouldn’t harm any of the rest of them.
Tense and uncomfortable, she gripped her reticule so tightly her fingers grew stiff. Feeling Lars’ gaze on her, she looked up and he gave her a quick wink, offering reassurance.
As much as it pleased her, it did little to alleviate her concerns of what the good people of the congregation would do when they realized there was a loose woman in their midst.
Closing her eyes, Marnie found herself praying for mercy, not for herself, but for those around her. Realizing what she’d done, she popped open her eyes and focused her attention on Pastor Whitting.
She’d spoken with him numerous times and always found him to be pleasant. He dropped by Miss Clementine’s from time to time, offering to talk to any of the girls and inviting them to church. No one ever took him up on his offers, but unlike some of the other preachers in town, he never condemned or judged them and Marnie appreciated his kindness.
Feeling little fingers slide across her lap, she glanced down as Sadie slipped her small hand into hers. Smiling at the little girl, she squeezed her hand then wrapped her arm around the child’s thin shoulders and pulled her a little closer. Sadie let out a small sigh and relaxed against her, making maternal feelings stir to life in Marnie.
Not wanting to think about what would happen to the children when Lars arrested their father, she decided to focus on getting through this day. She might even enjoy it if she survived long enough to go to the picnic Lars bragged about in detail.
The service went by quickly and Marnie admired Lars’ deep voice as he joined in singing the closing hymn. She knew Ilsa had a lovely voice, although Aundy claimed the inability to carry a tune.
Marnie maintained a hold on Sadie’s hand while Lars held Noah’s as they worked their way through the crowd toward the door after the service ended.
“That dress is so pretty on you.” Ilsa wrapped her arm around Marnie’s waist.
“Thank you. The most talented seamstress in the world made it for me,” Marnie said, giving her friend a pleased smile.
Lars turned and looked at his sister. “You made Marnie’s dress?”
“Yes, I did. For her birthday. Isn’t it perfect for her?” Ilsa continued to walk with Marnie and Sadie.
“I can’t imagine anything looking any prettier.” Lars realized there were, in fact, a few others things he could imagine, but they weren’t proper thoughts, especially for church, so he quickly shifted his focus on getting outside.
His sisters took it upon themselves to walk on either side of Marnie and Sadie, blocking them from curious stares or comments as they made their way to where Pastor and Mrs. Whitting stood shaking hands at the door. With Caterina and Kade in front of them and Nora, J.B., Garrett, and Tony behind, no one could get to Marnie to say anything upsetting.
Most folks at church wouldn’t know who she was anyway. For all appearances, she was a beautiful woman enjoying Easter morning with family and friends. Lars observed, for the most part, the people who attended Pastor Whitting’s services were friendly and forgiving.
The two old biddies who upset Marnie the previous afternoon attended a church on the other side of town, so there were no immediate
concerns of anyone vocally protesting her presence.
“Good morning, Lars.” Pastor Whitting smiled and shook his hand enthusiastically. “I see you have some special guests with you today.”
“I certainly do.” Lars nudged Noah forward. “This is Noah Webster. He and his sister Sadie were kind enough to share their time with me today.”
“Well, I’m glad you could be here for church this morning,” Pastor Whitting said, smiling as he shook Noah’s hand. Turning to Marnie, he gave no hint of surprise as he took her hand in his. “It’s a wonderful blessing to see you here this morning, Miss Jones.”
“Thank you, Pastor.” Marnie ducked her head and moved on so Sadie could shake the pastor’s hand.
“I hope you all will join us again soon,” the pastor said, looking pointedly at Marnie as Lars took her elbow and escorted her out the door.
Noah saw a group of boys playing on the church lawn and asked to join them. Lars nodded and he ran off, but Sadie stayed close to Marnie’s side.
“There are some girls over there if you’d like to go talk to them.” Marnie rested a hand on Sadie’s shoulder.
“No thanks.” Although she acted like she wasn’t interested, Sadie’s gaze said otherwise as it lingered on a group of little girls smiling and giggling together.
As soon as everyone in their group was outside, Lars called to Noah and they climbed back in the surrey then followed the Nash’s as they led the way out of town toward Dogwood Corners.
“I should have made something to contribute to the picnic,” Marnie said, realizing her social blunder as they left the noise of town behind them.
“Aundy, Nora, Caterina, and Shea will have more food prepared than an army could consume.” Lars removed his tie as he talked and shoved it in the pocket of his jacket.
“Who’s Shea?” Lars hadn’t mentioned the name before and Marnie didn’t recall meeting anyone by that name at church. Now that she’d survived the service and no one pointed fingers or called her names, she felt a little more relaxed.
Actually, everyone she met after the service had been kind and welcoming. The two men she recognized as regulars at Miss Clementine’s behaved as though they didn’t know her. It was possible they didn’t recognize her without her working clothes and painted face.
“Shea Meade. She’s married to Arthur and they take care of the house and grounds at Dogwood Corners.”
“Oh, I see.” Marnie looked out at rolling fields of green and rich pastures full of fat cattle. Eastern Oregon was glorious in the spring and today everything seemed even more outstanding than usual.
Thinking of the house Ashton Monroe built, she’d heard many stories about it, some from Ashton himself, but she never thought to see it. “Is the house as amazing as everyone says?”
“I’ve just seen it once from the outside, but it’s quite impressive. It puts me in mind of some of the plantation homes I saw in the South.”
“How long before we get to eat lunch?” Noah asked from the back seat. The two children had been quiet as they drove out of town. Although Noah had a hard time sitting still, he and Sadie both behaved well during the church service.
“Not too much longer. We’re about a mile away from where we’re going to have a picnic.” Lars looked over his shoulder at the boy. “Do you like picnics?”
“I don’t ‘member any picnics. Have we had picnics, Sadie?” Noah asked his sister.
“No. We don’t have picnics.” Sadie remained quiet, staring at the landscape as they drove along.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Marnie asked, sensing something bothered Sadie.
“Nothing, Miss Marnie. We’re fine.” The little girl refused to turn her gaze from the side of the road to meet those of the two adults looking at her from the front seat.
“Are you sure?” Lars noticed Sadie had been oddly quiet, even for her, since they left the church.
“I’m sure.”
Marnie gave Lars a look that said Sadie was holding something back, but they silently agreed not to push her for an answer.
“I sure hope Aundy made her fried chicken. Do you like fried chicken, Noah?” Lars asked, redirecting the conversation.
“Yes, sir. Pa brung some home once and it was so good. Sadie tried to cook some but the pan caught fire and that ol’ bird done burnt to a crisp.”
“Noah!” Sadie turned and slugged his arm. “Do you have to tell everything to everybody?”
“No. But Lars asked about chicken.” Noah scooted farther away from his sister and rubbed his arm.
“Let’s not hit each other, okay?” Marnie gave Sadie a warning look and the little girl nodded her head.
“Sorry,” she mumbled to her brother, then turned her gaze toward the road. She watched the surrey in front of them, carrying the older and younger Nash couples, turn a corner. As they followed off the main road onto a secondary road, she could see spots of pink floating in the breeze in the distance.
Lars slowed the horse when they turned off that road onto a lane flanked by twin rows of dogwoods.
“Oh, my!” Astounded by the beauty of the trees in full bloom, Marnie thought the bright blue sky overhead and green grass below provided a gorgeous setting.
“I ain’t never seen nothing so beautiful,” Sadie said, standing up and leaning over the seat between Marnie and Lars. Marnie slipped an arm around the girl’s waist to hold her steady as they took in the sight of the trees in full bloom.
“Thought you ladies might enjoy seeing this.” The knowing smile Lars turned on Marnie made another wall she’d erected around her heart crumble to dust.
“Thank you, Lars, for such a precious gift.” Marnie looked at him with moist eyes, wishing he fully understood how much being included in the day meant to her.
He smiled at her, hoping her eyes brimmed with happy tears and not ones of sorrow. Since it was too nice a day for anyone to turn weepy, he scrambled for something, anything, to lighten the mood. “I heard a riddle the other day. Want to see if you can solve it?”
“Sure,” Sadie said, sitting down on her seat as they journeyed up the driveway to the house.
“What has to be broken before you can use it?” Lars looked at both of the children then Marnie, grinning as they all contemplated the question.
Marnie held a gloved hand to her mouth so the youngsters couldn’t see and mouthed the answer to Lars. He nodded his head, pleased she’d quickly figured out the response.
“What do you think, Sadie?” he asked as he stopped the horse in front of the massive three-story house.
“I’m still thinking on it.” Sadie said, distracted by the sight of the house and the surrounding landscaped yard, full of blooming flowers and budding bushes.
“How about you, Noah?” Lars walked around the surrey to give Marnie and Sadie a hand while the boy jumped down.
Noah scrunched up his face, deep in thought, then smiled brightly. “I know! It’s an egg!”
“Right you are. You’re a clever boy, Noah.” Lars set Sadie on her feet and pointed to tables set in the side yard. “Why don’t you two run over there and wait for us.”
Noah grabbed Sadie’s hand and took off. She glanced back at them once, but kept pace with her brother.
“That was nice of you to give them a riddle to solve and so kind of you to include them today. Noah is having such a lovely time, but something is bothering Sadie.” Marnie accepted the hand Lars held out to her and stepped from the surrey.
“Maybe after she gets her belly full of good food she’ll forget about it.” Lars kissed Marnie’s cheek, making her blush.
She couldn’t believe he’d do such a thing in front of his friends and family, but he didn’t seem bothered in the least. He’d been the perfect gentleman since he forced her to accompany him to church and, truth be told, she was glad he made her join in the festivities.
Glancing at him from beneath lowered lashes, she admired his firm jaw, square chin, and luscious lips. Moisture flooded her mouth, remindi
ng her how much she enjoyed his kisses.
The suit he wore accentuated the breadth of his shoulders and chest, narrowing to a trim waist, while fitted pants outlined his long, muscled legs. He’d left off his cowboy hat and she longed to run her fingers through all that thick, wavy, caramel-colored hair. Golden highlights glistened in the sunlight, further tempting her.
“Ready?” Lars asked, holding out his arm to her.
“I suppose I am.” She placed her hand on his arm and went to join his family. Strolling toward those gathered on the green lawn, she squeezed Lars’ arm beneath her fingers. “In the event I failed to mention it earlier, you look quite dashing today.”
“Thank you, Miss Jones. There aren’t words to describe how exquisite I find you today.”
Before she could respond, Marnie found herself engulfed in a hug from Nora Nash. “We’re just pleased as anything you could join us today, honey. Want to come help us get the food on the table?”
“I’d love to,” Marnie said, following Nora toward the food table where Aundy and Caterina helped Shea uncover dishes and stick in serving spoons. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught the wink Lars sent her direction and held it to her heart.
Listening to Noah chatter happily on the return trip to the cabin, Marnie hid her smile. She fully expected him to fall asleep the moment they got in the surrey, but he was too excited to give in to his obvious fatigue.
Sadie didn’t seem quite as upset as she had been right after church and offered occasional comments although she didn’t talk nonstop like her brother.
Arriving back at the cabin, Marnie gave them the treats she purchased the previous afternoon and received thankful hugs. Lars carried in a basket full of food the women from the picnic sent home for the children and put it away while Marnie made sure the two youngsters washed their hands and faces before tucking them into bed.
Sadie broke down crying, clinging to Marnie and sobbing into her shoulder when she realized they’d brought her a new nightgown.
Marnie: Page 19